Surprised By Joy

God continually surprises me - by now I should expect it, but no...once again I stand in AWE of his incredible love and attention to the smallest detail.

Several months ago I received a call from a dear friend. Her passion is caring for children with special needs. After raising her own children, God over many years has blessed her with 6 children - all with special needs!  God was speaking to heart again and out of obedience to him she felt called to provide a home for a family in ElSalvador.

Prior to arriving in ElSalvador we did not know the personal stories of the families that would be receiving homes.

Today, that house was built. Today....Anna, her husband, her son and her 16 year old daughter Carlita-WITH SPECIAL NEEDS received a home they had been dreaming of and praying for! Isn't it just like God to know Anna's heart, hear her prayer, realize her dream AND connect my friends passion for these children. My heart was so full to witness this unfold!

Anna's story is a story of HOPE. She began with 4 children.  Her husband left her and took 3 of the children with him because he did not want what he felt was a burden with his daughter. Anna pressed on with a prayer that God would provide for the both of them and he did! In fact, as my friend would say, "The Lord blessed her obstacles and increased her faith!"

She is motivated to care for her daughter and loves her very much. When asked what her dream for her family would be now that she has a home - it was not money or material things, instead it was that God would bless her with good health and to out live her sweet Carlita.

Above all, Anna continues to trust God and he has since blessed her with a devoted husband and loving stepfather to Carlita. As well, a spunky and super fun little boy named Giovanni.  In this new home Anna said she can't wait to mop a cement floor, one in which her daughter can sit and play without snakes entering and be clean! It is a gift from God she says...a dream come true and answer to her prayers.

If you could have seen Carlita...she is precious and radiates joy. Her smile is huge and her laugh infectious!

Leisha